Baci Ristorante San Diego Reviews

Located on an otherwise quiet block of Morena Boulevard just across the freeway from Mission Bay, the restaurant hardly calls attention to itself. You’ll recognize it by the modest maroon canopy above the entrance, displaying white scripted letters that gracefully spell out Baci.

Remember, it is not operated on Sundays!

What lies behind the plain exterior is one of the city’s finest classic Italian restaurants, one that equates dining with tuxedoed waiters, white tablecloths, and classic preparation—an approach that has earned the restaurant the AAA 4-diamond award eleven times. owner Tony D’Amato opened the restaurant in 1979 as a one-room restaurant; he has not only kept it open for 25 plus years, he has steadily expanded the space from one room to five.

The bar is the first thing that greets the eye—filled with dark mahogany and mirrors, it seems classic and old world. Should you arrive early, do try to stop here for an aperitif.

The dining room’s subtle art deco motif—the lighting structures, framed art, and frosted glass—suggested a rich and festive atmosphere, and we at once felt at home. Past the room we were in, we could view a second, more spacious dining room as well as an outdoor courtyard that looked absolutely charming in the early evening light.

Our meal began with a brimming basket of still-warm garlic bread. Lightly crisp, with just a hint of butter and garlic.

To distract ourselves from filling up before our menus even arrived, we perused the wine list, which offers an outstanding selection of Californian and Italian wines.

The menu was quite approachable, spanning just two pages yet offering a range of options. In addition to the varied selection of pasta, veal, and seafood dishes, and limited steak and chicken options, Executive Chef Domenico Alioto always offers a rotating selection of fresh fish and daily specials. Some of these specials, such as the Osso Bucco and Veal Picatta, are so popular they are offered more often than not, although they don’t appear on the menu.

Prosciutto e Melone $11 was good

Caesar $8 super good!

Tortellini con Prosciutto $19 - highly recommend!

Linguine alle Vongole $18 - good

Restaurant has own tiny parking lot. On busy days they offer valet parking for 3$